Asanda Lusaseni Mvana[1](born December 1988) known professionally as Msaki, is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Born and grew up in East London, during her childhood she was involved in musical activities. Her career in music began in 2008, at the age of 20, when she was a member of alternative rock band while attending college.[2]
Msaki | |
|---|---|
| Born | Asanda Lusaseni Mvana December 1988 East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Alma mater | Rhodes University (MFA) |
| Occupation |
|
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Johannesburg |
| Genres | Indie Folk |
| Instrument(s) |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | One Shushu Day Artistry |
|
Musical artist | |
Her debut Extended Play Nal'ithemba (2013) and debut solo studio album Zaneliza: How The Water Moves (2016), which was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana was born in East London, Eastern Cape in 1988.[1] Her father was a DJ and grandmother was a music composer.[3] She attended Nelson Mandela University and dropped out after one year.[4] Mvana attended Rhodes University and obtained Master of Fine Arts degree.[4]
In 2008, she Joined The Patience alternative rock group based in East London and electro-experimental band Johnny Cradle based in Cape town.[5] Following year in 2009, she was guitarist and lead vocalist for Kate and I duo formed in Grahamstown.[5]
In 2012, Msaki attended music school in North Carolina in the USA.[5]
She established her own record label, One Shushu Day Artistry and released her debut Extended Play Nal'ithemba, in 2013 produced by Cobus Van Dyk.[6] In 2016, she won ovation at 7th Standard Bank Ovation Awards and Gold Award First Place at Cape Town Fringe.[7] Her single "Imfama Ziyabona" released in 2016, debuted on Metro FM Charts for 19 consecutive weeks.[8][9]
In June 2017, her debut album Zaneliza: How The Water Moves was released in South Africa.[10] The album was co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini.[11] To further promote her album she performed at National Art Festival. At the 23rd ceremony of South African Music Awards Zaneliza: How The Water Moves was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
Msaki teamed up with South African DJ Prince Kaybee on a song titled "Fetch Your Life", which was released on February 8, 2019. The song debuted number one on iTunes Dance charts.[12] In November 2019, her single "Pearls To Swine" featuring TRESOR and Kid X was released, bagged nomination for Best Produced Video.[13][8] She co-written "Undithatha Kancinci" single by Kelly Khumalo.[14]
In October 22, Msaki released double single of "Fetch Your Life II" and "Mntakababa" featuring Kabza De Small and Focalistic.[15] That same month she made a collaboration on platoon compilation album African Lullabies Pt. 1.[16][17] In November 19, her double project Platinumb Heart, was released.[18]
In December 2021, Msaki headlined to 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival along with Amanda Black, Zoë Modiga, and Mandisi Dyantyisa was held in State Theatre, Guateng.[19]
In January 2022, Msaki collaborated on a song "Own The Future" with Goodluck, Shekhinah, and YoungstaCPT.[20] She also received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at Global Music Awards Africa 2022.[21]
In early February, she was featured on Home Session by Apple Music.[22]
In February 6, Msaki unveiled six pieces of her artwork titled Platinumb Heart of Love In Protest and performed at Nirox Sculpture park to promote her double album.[23][24]
In early November 2021, she made her screen debut as guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17.[25]
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | ||||
| "Sondela" (TRESOR featuring Msaki) | 2019 | 3× Platinum[26] | Nostalgia | |
| "Fetch Your Life" (Prince Kaybee featuring Msaki) | 6× Platinum[27][28] | Re Mmino | ||
| "Bomi Abumanga" (Sun-El Musician featuring Msaki) | 2020 | — | RiSA: 2× Platinum[29] | To the World & Beyond |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Herself | Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | [30] |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | "No Rainbow" featuring Da Capo | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [31] |
| Herself | SAMPRA Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Platinumb Heart Open | Female Artist of the Year | Won | ||
| Best Produced Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Best Adult Contemporary Album | Won | [32] |